Body Kouros

What is your opinion on Body Kouros?

Yves Saint Laurent's original Kouros that came out in 1981 is a very controversial scent on here. It is powerful, distinguished, unique and unlike anything else out there. However, despite its popularity amongst many people in the fragrance community, many people did not like this one as well, claiming that it smelled similar to a public restroom.

Body Kouros, released in 2000, shares the same name, but not much else. If you are a fan of Kouros, there is no guarantee you will like Body Kouros. If you didn't like or absolutely hated Kouros, you still may like this one so you should give it a chance. This easily could have been named anything else.

The scent of Body Kouros is a very simple one. Its opening notes are sugar cane and eucalyptus. They are the two strongest and most notable notes. I would have appreciated more ingredients, but this one is for people who want a simpler scent. I don't think the sugar cane note is too sweet at all. If you can handle Le Male or Egoiste, you can handle the sweetness of this one surely. The make-or-break of this scent is whether you like eucalyptus or not.

To me, I liked this scent, but I didn't love it. It is pleasant, though it didn't amaze me in any way. I am not sure if this is something I would personally buy, though it could be at some point.

This scent is appropriate for any age, whether you are in your 20's, 40's or 60's. As for seasons, I think this is perfect for spring and fall, or any day when it is not extremely cold or extremely hot. The strength and projection of this scent are medium, which is ideal. It is unique enough to get you noticed, but not controversial enough to draw negative attention. You could wear this casually, at the office, in a club or anywhere.

Another good thing about this fragrance is the price point. Sure, it's not groundbreaking, but it is dirt cheap. You can buy a 100ml/3.4 oz of this fragrance for $30. This is an excellent deal and there aren't a lot of fragrances out there in that price line that could compete with the quality of this one.

Rating: 7/10

Verdict: Try if you like Eucalyptus (or want to see if you like Eucalyptus). Pass otherwise.

Re: Body Kouros

Body Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent - This fragrance bears no resemblance whatsoever to its namesake Kouros. Initally, one is treated to a duet of fresh, pepperminty eucalyptus and spicy incense. This enticing fusion leads to a strong licorice accord, which is carried to the waiting middle. The pleasing anisette of the opening is subsumed by the strong and camphoraceous, clary sage as well as the sharp and fresh, chinese cedar wood, morphing it into a distinctly cool and fresh menthol. The sweet benzoin from the inviting base kidnaps the hearty heart and infuses it with its candied vanilla prominence, tempered by camphor wood with its inherent, cineole facet, and flows to its saccharine and vanilla drydown. This well-balanced and unique composition has average projection and longevity.

I was neither enthralled nor bedeviled by this scent, and gave it a neutral rating.

Re: Body Kouros

I have it & voted "like". It's definitely unique & one that I find I have to be in the mood for. And yeah, I think the eucalyptus note (and the bit of incense are the notes that make this one so unusual. Honestly to me, if i was describing it, I would say "it's Le Male with eucalyptus & incense added". I remember someone else describing Body Kouros as Le Male's younger, moody, gothic little brother. To me, that kinda nails it.

Re: Body Kouros

Love it. It's not Kouros, and not even close, but it's weird and fun. It smells like I'm wearing some kind of olfactory neoprene wetsuit. Strange synthetic bogus gourmand. Just odd as hell. Can't wear it often - same as Kouros - but it's enjoyable when I do.

Re: Body Kouros

I just tried BK recently and it immediately made my wish list, it is by far one of the sexiest things I have ever smelled. Yesterday I did a side by side test with Lolita Lempicka, and asked some girls I was with which they preferred, everyone of them said BK. Abig hit with me, and the women around me, can't complain.

Re: Body Kouros

Re: Body Kouros

One conclusion I've come to is that price has more to do with marketing than it has to do with the quality of the fragrance. Body Kouros is actually a good example of this - the l'Homme series from YSL sells at 50% more - it's not because these fragrances are more exclusive, it's because it's what YSL is pushing and, therefore, what people demand right now.

As for the fragrance, I voted neutral. I think the eucalyptus-incense thing is brilliant, but it's just way too sweet. If they made it more dry and woody and reduced the sugar content, it would be a complete winner for me!

Re: Body Kouros

Originally Posted by PWJ

One conclusion I've come to is that price has more to do with marketing than it has to do with the quality of the fragrance. Body Kouros is actually a good example of this - the l'Homme series from YSL sells at 50% more - it's not because these fragrances are more exclusive, it's because it's what YSL is pushing and, therefore, what people demand right now.

Agreed. BK was, probably, double the price at launch. In 10 years, we may see L'Homme at $30.

Re: Body Kouros

I like it, but I have to be in a very particular mood to wear it. When the mood is right, it is very fine stuff. Otherwise, it can strike me as a little harsh and screechy. Still, very glad it's in my collection. Good price, too.